What type of reinforcement involves providing a reward after each desired behavior?

Continuous reinforcement is a strategy in behavioral psychology where a reward is provided immediately after the desired behavior is exhibited every time it occurs. This method is particularly effective for establishing new behaviors because it creates a clear connection between the behavior and the reinforcement, making it easier for the individual to understand which actions lead to rewards. In practical applications, such as in a workplace setting, continuous reinforcement might involve praising an employee or providing them with a bonus each time they reach certain performance metrics. This consistent feedback can foster motivation and encourage the repetition of the desired behavior.

In contrast, intermittent reinforcement might reward the behavior only occasionally, which can be less effective for establishing a new behavior but can be useful for maintaining a behavior once it is learned. Variable reinforcement refers to providing rewards at unpredictable intervals, which can create high levels of motivation but does not help as much when initially teaching a behavior. Fixed reinforcement involves rewards that are delivered after a set number of behaviors or time periods, thus differing from the immediate feedback offered in continuous reinforcement.